Where are all the F&$k#! jobs?!

[Geronimo!]

I just graduated in December with a bachelors in accounting. Since then I've searched for a job like it was my job, but so far nothing has come of them. With no job in sight, I'm running low on cash and need to find something desperately.

So in order to survive this tough time, what is a man to do with no job, no money, and future?

ps - anyone need an accountant?

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

There aren't many beans to count...for that matter there isn't much to manufacture to count the beans from...One thing I always say is get a job changing tires....When the big mud trucks pull in...I'd yell I get that one...As I am changing the big swampers.... I can look at them and say...."At least this SOB don't talk back". What I mean by all of this is your gonna have to do whatever it takes right now.

[hoosierarcher]

Apply for financial aid and go back to school to get your Masters in Business or in accounting. If the economy doesn't change or gets worse saty in college. Go for either another Bachelors or your PHD. If you get your PHD then become a professor of accounting. Or since you have an accounting degree apply to the FBI. Agents of the FBI must either have a Law degree or Accounting degree. You'll have to go to the FBI academy and pass and you'll have to become a forensic accountant.

[Runs With Beer]

Man, I just got a job as a mant. man at a camp ground last week at $9 dollars an our am happy to get it. Ive been self eployed all my life am happy to get it. I used to make around $ 300 a day, It do suck But Its better than a poke in the eye. Do what what you got to do.

[SARKY]

Now that's what I call Hope and Change......NOT!

[Winnie]

When I had to leave my chosen career for health reasons, I retrained as a book-keeper. I work from home preparing the books for several small companies that can't afford to employ someone full-time. To get the work I advertised in the local paper. As you've a degree, it might be worth you having a go. I don't earn much but what I do earn keeps the wolf from the door(just!) and I'm not claiming any social benefits. That to me is worth much more than my small income.

[Pal334]

With your degree, apply to one of the military branches for an officers position . The accounting opens a myriad of fields, examples Contract Officer, Finance officer, logistics, and many more. You can even apply to go into other fields that may be of interest to you (assuming you can test qualify). There are immediate openings, money is good and the experience you gain can not be quantified. And the 4-6 year commitment should take us out of this slump and you can return to the civvy world with some imperessive skills.

[crashdive123]

Don't let pride get in the way of you being successful. Take what ever you can get, even if it is outside the field you want to work in. Survival is about being around to fight another day.

[your_comforting_company]

absolutely, Crash. I agree with everyone here. You do what you gotta do. This past 6 months, I've watched 5man carpenter crews dwindle to 2 man crews. My crew has always been small, me and one or two other guys. Of course, my job is all manual labor. If I dont' have a roof to put on, I ask around and I can always find someone who needs a hole dug, or some $h!* shoveled. To keep the bills paid I'll do whatever I have to (within the law).
I'll be honest, I could use an accountant / bookkeeper, but every single one around here charges a LOT more than I can afford on my mediocre income. If your rates are competetive, you can do like Winnie and run an ad in the paper. I'm sure something along the lines of your ideal profession will turn up, you just have to bide some time till it comes through. Do what you gotta do to stay afloat. No work is beneath me, and if you are a survivalist, neither should it be for you.
Seek, and ye shall find; Knock and it shall be opened unto you..

[Rick]

Remember to tailor your resume to the job posting. Look for key words in the post and make certain they are in your resume. Don't lie but take advantage of opportunities. For example, a posting may say something like...

Job Responsibilities:

Preparing financial statements for subsidiaries and entering A/P vouchers into PeopleSoft

Recording deposits, reconciling commissions and monthly bank statements

Assisting in the monthly closing process, including journal entries and allocations

Make certain your resume says something like "well versed in recording deposits and conciling..." or "skilled in journal entries and allocations" or "well versed in PeopleSoft".

If you have practical experience in those areas say that. Target your resume to what they are looking for. Remember that today people seldom see your resume until you're in the final group. Robots scan resumes looking for those key words. If they aren't there, you won't get called for an interview.

Also, make certain you are thinking outside the box. You may be looking for an accountant position but, unless you have experience, you will also want to look at jobs like banking, office manager, credit and collections, payroll, etc. Once you have some experience under your belt then you can target the job you want. Until then, everyone else is on the money, do what you need to do now.

[BENESSE]

Geronimo, be glad that you are just starting out and not bogged down with a lot of baggage that might discourage you from taking chances.
Whatever detours from accounting you need to take to survive, just might turn out to be much more valuable in the long run than it seems right now.
So keep your mind open and don't be afraid to move or try something different.

[aflineman]

Maybe check USAJOBS(dot)GOV. There are a number of Contracting jobs, many of them a the entry level. Not bad pay, and you can transfer quite a number of places. VERY busy job, but if you learn it well, it can take you places (and make you VERY good money).

[Ole WV Coot]

Simple, do what's available or move. If you're not tied down and are healthy there are jobs. Hate to tell you but a degree doesn't guarantee you a job in the field of your choice. I left home at 18 and never moved back until I retired. I gave my son 3months after high school. Either get a job, I will pay for college or I will drive you to the recruiter of your choice. He is doing better than his ole man. Jobs are there, you just can't pick and choose. That's my personal opinion.

[BENESSE]

Simple, do what's available or move. If you're not tied down and are healthy there are jobs. Hate to tell you but a degree doesn't guarantee you a job in the field of your choice. I left home at 18 and never moved back until I retired. I gave my son 3months after high school. Either get a job, I will pay for college or I will drive you to the recruiter of your choice. He is doing better than his ole man. Jobs are there, you just can't pick and choose. That's my personal opinion.

Wiser words were never spoken!
I think every parent needs to memorize Coot's options to his son.

[aflineman]

Geronimo, be glad that you are just starting out and not bogged down with a lot of baggage that might discourage you from taking chances.
Whatever detours from accounting you need to take to survive, just might turn out to be much more valuable in the long run than it seems right now.
So keep your mind open and don't be afraid to move or try something different.

+1, the job that I just landed (still have to pass the physical and BG check) is a blend of my old job and my degree. Be patient. It took me awhile to find, and I have to move away from the family except for the weekends. It is also only a temp position, but it gets my foot in the door for more.
Another thing on being versatile. One of the things that tipped me receiving this offer was the fact that I have held the position of "Outhouse Salesman". To the person that hired me, that position showed I had a "depth of experience" that the other candidates did not have.

[aflineman]

Wiser words were never spoken!
I think every parent needs to memorize Coot's options to his son.

Unfortunately, that is not an option for mine. He is blind in one eye, so the military won't take him (Doesn't keep the recruiters from hounding him though. He has darn good grades).

[Rick]

You might want to take a look at consulting firms, as well. It's obviously not permanent employment but the pay is generally good and you'll be improving your resume.

[Geronimo!]

Thanks for the advice guys. Fortunately, a few minutes after I posted this I got a call from a medical company that are looking for an accounts payable specialist. It's a hop, skip, and a jump away, but as bennesse said, I don't have a lot of baggage so that's good. I'm hoping that pans out.

I'm driving to Madison, WI to see what I can find today. Hope there's something there.

Rick, I like your post on tailoring your resume. You oughta be a career development professor.

Coot, I had the same options. I was lucky enough to be able to get into a college and learn something.

One piece of advice I will give is to upgrade your membership on job sites. They really push the people that pay them (understandably). The day I signed up, I got a call. Pretty coincidental. ; )

Thanks again. I know I skip in and out of the forums, but I hope to be back more permanently after I find a job.

[hunter63]

Good luck, y'all have a long haul ahead.
Gets intresting, but you have to keep plugging away, keep an open mind, and bust your butte at what ever you do.

Best.

[Rick]

That's good news. I've always like Madison. A real people town. Or at least it used to be. It's been about 10 years since I've been there. I hope it works out for you!!